Theories of intelligence (biological)

Question 1

How many theories of intelligence are there?

Answer 1

5

Question 2

What are the 5 theories of intelligence in time order?

Answer 2

1. Spearman (1904)
2. Thurnstone (1960s)
3. Cattell (1960s)
4. Sternberg (1980s)
5. Gardner (1980s)

Question 3

What is Spearman’s theory of intelligence?

Answer 3

• not a general factor
• 4 factors = mechanical, logical, arithmetic, spatial

Question 4

What is Thurnstone’s theory of intelligence?

Answer 4

7 independent factors (primary abilities) =
verbal comprehension, verbal fluency, number, memory, perceptual speed, inductive reasoning, and spatial visualisation

Question 5

What is Cattell’s theory of intelligence?

Answer 5

fluid ability and crystallised ability
fluid = biological and crystallised = develops due to application of fluid

Question 6

What is Sternberg’s theory of intelligence?

Answer 6

triarchic theory
practical, creative, and analytical

Question 7

What is Gardner’s theory of intelligence?

Answer 7

there are 8 types of intelligence = musical, bodily-kinaesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, verbal linguistic, visual spatial, logical-mathematical, naturalistic

Question 8

What is the key test of fluid intelligence?

Answer 8

Ravens Progressive Matrices

Question 9

What type of intelligence does Ravens measure?

Answer 9

fluid

Question 10

How can you tell what type of intelligence Ravens measures?

Answer 10

problem solving and logical thinking

Question 11

How is fluid and crystallised intelligence different based on age?

Answer 11

fluid is higher in younger people and crystallised is higher in older people

Question 12

What are some problems with intelligence tests?

Answer 12

• socially sensitive
• culturally bias questions e.g, number sequences = westernised practice
• do not measure all types of intelligence
• subjectively interpreted
• options = demand characteristics

Question 13

What are strengths of Ravens test?

Answer 13

do not have to be literate to complete it

Question 14

How are intelligence tests socially sensitive?

Answer 14

• low scores = self-fulfilling prophecy
• labelling
• no jobs
• eugenics
• teachers - may stop helping students with low IQ ‘lost causes’

Question 15

How does intelligence link to nature?

Answer 15

• genetics
• brain activity - omega 3
• learning difficulties

Question 16

How does intelligence link to nurture?

Answer 16

• childhood - toys used and if read to
• parent ambition
• school environment
• impact of teachers

Question 17

What explains intelligence through interactionism?

Answer 17

epigenetics

Question 18

What biological factors could affect intelligence?

Answer 18

• nutrition
• gender
• genetic transference

Question 19

How does gender impact intelligence?

Answer 19

• males have more neuron efficiency during spatial tasks
• females have more neuron efficiency requiring verbal skills

Question 20

How does genetic transference impact intelligence?

Answer 20

• gene contribution to intelligence = 25-50%
• inherited = verbal and organisational skills
• less inherited = memory
• environmental impact = 40%

Question 21

How does nutrition impact intelligence?

Answer 21

• premature babies fed breast milk = higher language based cognitive skills
• children 9-12 with less nutritious diet = lower IQ
• drug use during pregnancy

Question 22

How does stress impact intelligence?

Answer 22

stress = increased cortisol = damages immune system BUT makes more motivated = improved academic performance (not all types of intelligence)